11 Best Fertilizer Spreader Reviews in 2022 And Buying Guide

Over 1000 of Agriculturists suggest using a fertilizer spreader against bare hand spreading. This is because bare hand spreading can cause some serious problems on your hands for long term use. To cope with this problem you must choose the best fertilizer spreader for your task.

By the way, One of the most important aspects of lawn care is fertilizing, but many people forget to spread fertilizer on time. The most reliable way to spread fertilizer is with a broadcast spreader like this one from Scotts Turf Builder Edge Guard Spreader. This tool spreads about efficiently. With these spreaders, You'll be able to quickly cover your entire yard in just minutes.

Here we'll review some of the great fertilizer spreaders on the market today and discuss what will be suitable for your task of completely fertilizing your lawn or land.

In A Quick Look

Editor's Pick and Affordable: Scotts Turf Builder Edge Guard Spreader (Elite, Mini)

Best Hand-Powered: Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader

Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader: Agri-Fab 45-0463 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader.

Top 11 Best Fertilizer Spreader Comparison Table List 

1. Scotts Turf Builder Edge Guard Mini Broadcast Spreader.

This edge guard mini broadcast spreader is our favorite pick because of its compact size and its features. You can use this spreader to apply an entire bag of Scotts lawn food with a single pass. It's small in size, but it has the ability to cover a large amount of area. Holds up to 5,000 square feet of Scotts lawn products.

It comes fully assembled and pre-calibrated so there is no assembly or calibration required once you get it out of the box. The hopper capacity of this mini broadcast spreader is 5 pounds which is way more than sufficient for anyone who has a small yard or who just wants to fertilize once a month. To make things easier, this broadcast spreader comes with a fold-down handle.

The fact that the Edge Guard technology helps you to save money is already a good reason to buy this fertilizer spreader, but its compact design makes it easier for you to store in your garage when not in use. The pneumatic tires make sure that you can easily roll over any kind of terrain without worrying about getting stuck somewhere.

Scotts Turf Builder Edge Guard Mini Broadcast Spreader has been rated good four points six stars out of 5 by many verified buyers and top-rated product also.

2. Earthway Even Spread 2150 Commercial 50 Lb Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader.

The Earthway 2150 Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader is a premium option for most homeowners with a capacity of 50 lbs added with a durable and sturdy design. The adjustable drop rate with side-spread control ensures that the spreader is even and you can apply fertilizer, seed evenly to your lawn.

The Earthway 2150 comes with a three-hole drop system that lets you adjust the rate of spreading directly on the spreader. The drop holes are enclosed so that they remain unclogged when used under damp or wet conditions.

It also comes with large 13-inch pneumatic tires to give you a smooth ride up and downhill over bumps and terrain. The heavy-duty steel frame distributes weight evenly over these three pneumatic tires.

This spreader's durable polyethylene hopper is rust-proof and comes with a cover to protect it from the elements when not in use.

Besides being very durable, this spreader is also very easy to use. The built-in handle can be adjustable when going around obstacles such as trees and other objects on your lawn. In all, it’s a nice option for those looking for a high-quality spreader without breaking the bank.

We found Earthway to be really well designed with thoughtful touches like the side-spread control, a paint job that should last year after year.

The frame isn’t super heavy duty but it's more than adequate. It takes about 15 minutes to assemble and most importantly, it works really well! Unlike some other brands of spreaders, you can easily adjust the drop rate on this one without having to remove screws or pieces. It also has a feature that allows you to set your own side-spread pattern. We don't think any other spreader offers this option.

3. Agri-Fab 45-0462 Push Broadcast Spreader

This is a great spreader for your yards. It can’t be beaten for the price and will save you time spreading in the future, so it pays for itself pretty quickly. Besides the usual fertilizer and seed, you can also spread lime using this machine.

The rustproof poly hopper holds up to 130 pounds of product and has a large opening, so there’s no waste. The hopper holds more capacity than other broadcast spreaders that cost significantly more money.

The gearbox is enclosed for protection from the elements. There’s also a rod gate control that’s easier on your hands than some of the lever controls available today.

After each use, you should empty the hopper to keep it free from debris and rust out later in its life. The pneumatic tires make it easy to roll over uneven ground without damaging them or making too much noise.

It uses high-quality parts throughout with ball bearings and an all-metal gearbox that will last for the long haul. We’ve never had one of these units fail after years of moderate use so these are extremely reliable units.

4. Scotts 76565 Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader

The ScottsTurf Builder Classic drop is another great pick fertilizer spreader for lawns up to 10,000 square feet. It's uniquely designed with a large top funnel to spread seed evenly and accurately. With its oversize handle grip, you can easily maneuver the Scotts spreader around your yard without straining yourself in any way.

The drop-style chemical spreader also features an adjustable flow lever that allows for maximum control over the applicator opening, allowing you to distribute product at varying rates for optimal coverage.

The Scotts Classic Drop Spreader is very easy to assemble and operates with precision when spreading lawn care products or fertilizer. 

The spread pattern delivers maximum 22-inch coverage and accuracy. There's a slow-close lever that prevents material from spilling off the back of the hopper.

This drop spreader can be easily loaded with Scotts lawn and garden products, including grass seed and fertilizer. With its large 10,000 square foot capacity hopper, you'll get your yard fertilized in no time. 

Durable plastic construction is weather-resistant for extra garden tool longevity.

5. Scotts Elite Spreader

One of the most important factors to consider when buying a lawn spreader is accuracy and pattern. The Scotts Elite Spreader has both of these of high quality, making it one of the most suitable options for many people.

The dual rotor technology is unique to this model and provides a spread pattern of up to 6 feet. That will help you save time when spreading fertilizer or even rock salt in your yard.

One of the things that might turn people off about this product is that it uses plastic wheels instead of pneumatic rubber ones. While it does mean a few fewer features, such as bounce back after stepping on them, they should help keep your lawnmower going longer because they won’t be punctured as easily by debris.

This spreader can hold up to 20,000 sq. ft . of material. It’s also easy to remove the hopper and agitator when you need to spread salt or sand on your driveway during wintertime.

The ergonomic handle provides a sure grip. There’s also a smartphone holder if you want to use your phone for GPS directions or as a music player while using it.

6. AMAZE 75201 Broadcast Spreader

Amaze 75201 is a lawn spreader that's capable of applying up to 10,000 square feet of grass seed, fertilizer, and other products. Ideal for fertilizing your entire yard within minutes. This spreader features an ergonomic handle allowing easy transportation from one area to another in a breeze.

The material hopper is coated with rubber grips offering maximum comfort during the operation of the spreader. It also comes with a built-in bag catcher preventing spillage on the floor when you empty it after every application cycle.

According to many users, spreading any type of material including fertilizer with this manual spreader is easier than using a walking or push broadcast spreader. They are able to cover more areas quickly when using Amaze 75201 like Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Edge Trimmer Attachment.

The Push and squeeze trigger allows downforce on the handle to release the fertilizer. This allows them to maintain their grip and provide greater control over the spreader at all times.

The center of gravity of this tool is very low, allowing you to operate it longer without feeling fatigued. The wide wheelbase also allows for easier movement across your lawn, especially when it's wet.

This unit can be used indoors or outdoors depending on the product that you want to apply. If applied before a rainstorm, Amaze 75201 will help prevent damage by keeping chlorides in solution and preventing your yard from becoming baked and crusty due to evaporation while waiting for rainwater penetration. It will definitely save you money.

Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader.

7. Agri-Fab 45-0463 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader.

For the quality and durability this Agri-Fab 45-0463 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader is great. We highly recommend it for those looking for a dependable spreader that will last many years.

The 130 lbs hopper capacity can cover up to 25,000 sq ft of land area. We'd recommend this tow behind spreader to anyone looking for a cheap but quality product that will last them many years. It's very easy to use and you can adjust the settings manually from the rod linked control. You can also hook it up with any tractor or mower using the universal hitch on the back.

The 13″ x 4″ pneumatic tires will provide you with the traction you need during rainy or snowy days. The steel direct rod flow control will allow you to adjust the settings and close off the flow of fertilizer when needed.

The Agri-Fab 45-0463 Spreader is worth every penny. It's not going to fail or break anytime soon because it can take quite a beating from any weather conditions.

 We may seem a little partial towards this brand, but a list of fertilizer spreaders is incomplete without the Agri-Fab 45-0463 Tow Behind model. On that note, if you’re looking for a high-performing unit for substantially then you may want to check out this one.

8. Chapin 8620B 150 lb Tow Behind Spreader

The Chapin 8620B spreader is the great fertilizer spreader you should have. It spreads extremely well, it's durable and it has a very convenient auto-stop feature that lets you quickly stop the spreader without worrying about the excess fertilizer to waste on the lawn's soil.

The 150-pound capacity spreader has a fast and easy gate adjustment system. You just need to turn the knob counterclockwise and set the desired openings, then lock it to keep everything in place. That's what makes it so easy even for beginners to use with ease.

The Plus 11 incremental adjustments also make it very convenient for you to accurately spread the fertilizer on your lawn. This way, you could be sure that the other plants won't suffer from a lack of nutrients because of poor fertilizing distribution over the soil areas.

This oil-impregnated Bronze bearing helps the axle and gearbox move. They have less friction, so they can move more easily. This way, you get smooth operation with virtually no maintenance needed. That's a big plus for any user since it minimizes the time you need to spend on the machine itself.

You will get a heavy and sturdy hitch that connects with most vehicles. It will help with the tow weights without having to worry about anything. As long as your vehicle has enough power and torque, this is exactly what you need if you want everything done faster. 

Last but not least, the 14-inch pneumatic tires are just awesome. These wide tread wheels ensure stability over uneven surfaces so work becomes a lot easier overall.

Bottom Line Thoughts: The Chapin 8620B is an excellent choice for those looking for a powerful spreader that does not skimp over anything when it comes to quality and performance. Perfect for any size of yards even in commercial settings.

Hand-Held Fertilizer Spreader

9. Scotts Wizz Hand-Held Spreader 

One of the great features of this Scotts handheld spreader is that it can be battery-operated. The unit features a motor that has the ability to be manually operated, making it very convenient and powerful. The Scotts Wizz handheld spreader attachment is designed with the addition of the EdgeGuard technology to ensure accurate and even distribution.

The Scotts Hand-Held Spreaders are lightweight and easy to operate for the fast applications that you can count on. This handheld spreading tool from Scotts allows you to cover up to 2, 500 square feet of lawn using grass seed, fertilizer, or weed control products. And it's powered by 4 AA batteries at a time. It uses 23 control settings for unmatched accuracy when spreading your materials in any direction throughout your yard.

This battery-operated Scotts spreader would give you maximum power for easy spreading of your lawn care products. This machine is perfect for use in fertilizing and seeding jobs.

It also works to distribute other garden materials with its simple push-button controls. The Scotts Wizz Hand-Held Spreader features EdgeGuard Technology to prevent clumping. The spreader is lightweight enough for ladies, children, and men to use to spread these products throughout their lawns.

The unit also comes with a 5-foot broadcast that can be used in any direction without leaving holes or creating streaks behind it.

10. Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader

This Scotts Whirl is a manual hand-powered device that is used to spread fertilizers at an optimum area. It has a simple design but at the same time, it is very reliable, easy to use, and very cost-effective.

This spreader is very convenient to use and can be handled by people of any stature. It can be used in the fall, winter, or spring seasons for fertilizing lawns, flower beds, shrubs, and trees.

Also, there is a 1500 sq ft capacity for this spreader.

The operating cost is very less compared to other spreaders which increase its efficiency and durability.

There are many types of Scotts fertilizers like grass seeds, flower bulbs, lawn food fertilizers, etc. For spreading all such types of products in small yards, Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader is an ideal choice because with even distribution there will also be a better growth rate in the plants.

For small yards, garden beds, and shrubbery gardens; you can choose this type of spreader.

11. Solo 421 20-Pound Capacity Portable Chest-mount Spreader

The solo 421 is Twenty Pound portable fertilizer spreader that comes with the premium price point. If you are not fear for the expense then the Scott whirl or scotts whiz will be suited but if you choose it, then you will get these features here-

Fertilizer capacity: This could hold 20 pounds of any dry material. You can use this when you have a small or medium size lawn, but on the other hand, if you have got a large place then you should buy some larger equipment.

Tilt-Away: The weight of Solo 421 is handy so there are no chances that you will face any problem while spreading fertilizer over your land with this product. There is a handle available on the front side which allows tilting your spreader 90 degrees from the ground to 180 Degrees and making it more comfortable.

Adjustable: It gives you a chance to control the speed of fertilizer spreaders like these are engineered with adjustable metal feet that help in easy adjustment for spreading over the lawns.

When you spread the fertilizer, just tie the strap to your shoulder and you can easily reach the handle.

Buyer Guide: When buying a fertilizer spreader what should you consider?

Buying a fertilizer spreader can be a simple process if you have the right information. Use this buyer's guide to learn more about what to look for when buying a fertilizer spreader in order to find the one that suits your needs. Read on for more information about the features you should look for when selecting a fertilizer spreader.

Some basic specs need to learn before buying a fertilizer spreader these are-

Holding Capacity:

This means the amount of fertilizer you can store at a time. You will want a product that has enough capacity to handle most of your applications. This lets you save money in the long run by not having to purchase anything additional. The holding capacity from 20lbs and can go all the way up to 300lbs.

PTO Speed:

You may not have much say in what PTO ( Power Take Off )speed is on your machine, but it is something you should consider. The faster the PTO speed, the less effort required from you when turning over your spreader. In other words, a high-speed PTO will allow you to distribute fertilizer over larger areas with just a few turns of the handle.

Manufacturer's Warranty:

Warranties vary widely depending on which model you purchase. A good warranty ensures that any defects are fixed or replaced for free by the manufacturer if they occur within a certain time period after purchasing the product (usually one year). It also protects against user error.

Product design:

It is important to consider the design when purchasing your spreader because it will determine how easily you can transport and store it after use. Some designs have wheels built-in for easy transportation (such as push models), but other users may need to purchase accessories separately, such as dollies or carts.

The top rated fertilizer spreaders which we mentioned on our list are able to be tipped over on their sides so that all the contents inside can be emptied out without spilling anything. This is especially helpful when filling up dump trailers or other larger storage containers with what remains inside the spreader box.

Composite hopper:

Manufacture will tell you the capacity of the hopper as the total weight or volume it will hold. But it's advisable to know the actual size/dimension in order to make comparisons between similar products and select one with a smaller footprint, especially if storage space is limited.

What Types of Spreaders are?

There are basic types of spreaders including, handheld, push, tow-behind, and self-propelled models.

Hand-held model: This is a spreader that can be easily carried from one place to another or carried in the hand by the user while applying fertilizer. The capacity of a handheld model depends on how much you are willing to carry at once and for how long. These readers are great for smaller lawns or gardens that can be moved by hand.

Tow-Behind: A tow-behind model is pulled through the yard with a push mower, riding mower, garden tractor, or ATV. Some models come with wheels to make this process easier while others may require an additional dolly accessory so you do not have to carry it from one location to another.

Self-propelled: This spreader is driven by its own engine and will cover more ground in less time than any other type of spreader. These models allow you to focus on driving instead of having to pull out a separate lawnmower or tractor.

Operational Method by fertilizer spreader?

The operational method of a fertilizer spreader is the way it distributes the fertilizer. There are different types to consider including drop, broadcast, and injection methods available on various models.

Drop Method: This method involves gravity to distribute the fertilizer in layers and comes with an adjustable height setting so you can adjust how far down your lawn or garden rows your fertilizer is dispersed.

The hopper will sit atop of the box while the lid opens up when applying so that gravity does all of the work for you. No moving parts mean less maintenance for you too!

Broadcast Method: In this method is used to power a mechanism that will shoot out small granules over a larger area. In here, you have more versatility in terms of which granule size to use and how much you want to apply at once.

Injection methods: With this method, a chemical is injected directly into the ground instead of blanketed on top. The fertilizer will be broken down and absorbed faster in soil when used in this manner without leaving any residue that can burn your lawn or garden plants.

How does the Spreader Work?

Once you have your new spreader home, it's time to break it in! Depending on what type of spreader you purchased should determine how much product is needed for an initial application. Read all label instructions before proceeding. Some fertilizer spreaders require more or less product depending on the size and density of your lawn or garden area.

The first step is to calculate how many square feet your yard is and then calculate how much product will be required based on the bag or box quantity indicated by manufacturer recommendations.

The basic function of all fertilizer spreaders is appliers, which distribute the fertilizer from the hopper into your yard. The size of this opening is determined by the spacing between each one and that is usually hand-adjustable as well. Some models are also adjustable to allow you to choose how much product falls onto the ground per application.

Additionally, some spreaders have a feature called "mechanical shutoff," which prevents any additional fertilizer from being applied once it runs out or when you stop turning over the spreader for any reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I choose the correct lawn spreader?

There are several factors that you need to consider when choosing a fertilizer spreader. Consideration of these factors will help you in choosing the correct one for your application. These include cost, size, shape, and efficiency which is also referred to as scatter factor.

Where do you set a fertilizer spreader?

To set the fertilizer spreader, you should know that they have different designs and sizes. Some of these spreaders are meant for lawns while others are for small, large areas, or even golf courses.  Setting the fertilizer spreader on your lawn may start from a corner side.

What is the spreader capacity?

The capacity of a fertilizer spreader refers to the amount of spray it can hold at any given time. Most fertilizer spreaders have a low capacity which is about 20-150 pounds. But for commercial or home use, you can choose according to your requirements.

What kind of fertilizer spreader do you need?

Fertilizer spreaders may be classified according to the size; namely, the small, medium and large size spreader. Each of these sizes has different characteristics that can be utilized for a specific purpose. Small-sized fertilizer spreaders can be used in lawns. On the other hand, large-sized spreaders can be put to commercial use or for large areas.

I occasionally water my plants after fertilizing them. Is this a wise decision?

If you water your plants after fertilizing them, it means that you have done the right thing but should wait for at least 24 hours . In fact, watering your plants after fertilizing them will help to accelerate the growth of your plant. Therefore, if you want to grow healthy and high-quality plants; water them after fertilizing.

How do you determine spreader settings?

To determine the spreader settings, you have to consider the type of spreader that you are using. You should know your spreader settings properly so that you can get the right amount of fertilizing soil at any given time. This will help to obtain a uniform application and maximum efficiency from your lawn fertilizer spreader

How often do I need to service my lawn fertilizer spreader?

Servicing and maintenance are important for fertilizer spreaders because they will not deliver the required amount of fertilizer spread if it is not properly serviced. In fact, you should service your lawn and garden equipment regularly for them to serve you for a long time. You can service your lawn spreader by cleaning its hopper to remove built-up fertilizer or other debris.

What time of day should a homeowner fertilize their lawn?

If you are using granular spreaders; the most suitable time to fertilize your lawn is during the flowering stalks stage when it is most active. However, if you are using liquid spreaders, then the pick time to apply fertilizer is during the early morning hours.

What precautions should I take before starting with my lawn and garden equipment?

Before starting with your lawn and garden equipment, make sure that they are correctly set up. Also, you can read the owner's manual to know what usage instructions are needed for these tools while applying them. This step will help you avoid any possible injury or damage while working with these tools when they are not properly set up or used appropriately.

Which circumstances make it okay to fertilize the lawn before the rain?

Fertilizing before raining is okay if the fertilizer spreader is only used for small areas. In fact, it is not recommended to fertilize a large area just before the rain because you are running the risk of losing valuable fertilizer on your lawn due to washing away from them.

What precautions should I take while using liquid fertilizer spreaders?

To prevent any injury when using a liquid fertilizer spreader, make sure that you read and understand the instructions in its user guide carefully. Also, apply only enough of this fertilizing chemical as needed because applying more amounts than required can lead to burn or damage of your plants or lawn.

The precautions should maintain:

• Always wear protective clothing, including gloves and safety glasses
• Read the instructions for your specific liquid fertilizer spreader before use
• Keep children and pets away from the area where you are spreading liquid fertilizer
• Clean up all spills immediately to avoid contact with skin or eyes 
• Do not store any container of liquid fertilizer that is open or has been opened within reach of children or animals 
• Consult a doctor if you notice any symptoms after using a liquid fertilizer spreader (e.g., nausea, vomiting)

How often should granular spreader settings be checked?

If you want your granular spreader to deliver the required amount of fertilizer, then you should check its settings regularly or after and before each use. This is because the spreader settings may change due to wear and tear or some other reasons.

Should you fertilize before or after cutting the lawn?

You should fertilize before cutting the lawn because cutting the lawn removes some of the fertilizer you spread. This means that it won't take as much fertilizing as usual to keep your lawn healthy and green. On the other hand, if you want to apply fertilizer on your entire lawn (including those areas where you've already cut), there is no problem in doing it after the mowing.

What if you put too much fertilizer on your lawn?

Too much fertilizer is always negative to the health of your lawn, so if you apply too much fertilizer on it; then you should remove some of it to prevent any possible damage. This can be done using a rake or a blower.

The disadvantage of putting too much fertilizer is-

• It can lead to burns or damage to plants.
• It leads to wastage of fertilizer.
• It can be harmful to the environment and many more.
  
  

Final Verdict:

Choosing the right and best fertilizer spreader can be a big investment for your lawn or land. So we have reviewed the item which is most popular today. If you're willing to buy a fertilizer spreader then easily can choose from the above table list.

As a homeowner, the scott's turf builder series will be a great pick because of its buyers feedback and great user experience with productivity. Besides, the price point is also in buyers ' favour. So it will be a great option.

Besides, If you need a hand held spreader with optimum price, quality , positive feedback and ratings then Scotts Wizz Hand-Held Spreader can be a pick option with its motorized spreading techniques. If you want a manual hand powered option then Scotts Whirl spreader will be great.